What It didn’t ban antibacterial soaps for consumer use, but it made clear that manufacturers will have to show they really work better than regular soap, and that they’re safe. The agency acted after some scientists and consumer groups had become skeptical about the advantages of antibacterial soap and after recent studies suggesting that one ingredient—triclosan—could interfere with human hormone activity.

What makes a soap “antibacterial?”

The FDA says on its consumer page: “Antibacterial soaps (sometimes called antimicrobial or antiseptic soaps) contain certain chemical ingredients that plain soaps do not. These ingredients are added to many consumer products in an effort to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination.”

What are the products?

The ones at issue all have “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial” on their labels. They have names like Dial Foaming Antibacterial Hand Wash and Softsoap Antibacterial Hand Soap.

What should consumers do?

The FDA stopped just short of answering that, but agency officials were skeptical that there’s any point in using special antibacterial soap. Good old-fashioned soap and water work just fine, the agency said.

What should consumers look for on labels?

The FDA raised questions about antibacterial soaps with either triclosan or triclocarban on the label. But it will be some time before there are final answers. The government is studying longterm triclosan exposure.

What if there’s no soap and water around?

“Hand sanitizers” that don’t require water and that contain 60% alcohol or more are a good alternative and are encouraged by the FDA.

What’s the next step?

After receiving comment and companies’ data, the FDA said it expects to make a final decision by September 2016, either banning certain products or allowing them based on new evidence.